Auction Purchase has arrived

Fergman78

I picked up these balls in an online auction about a week ago and they arrived today. Since that time I have been trying to find a value or info on the 1979 Japan vs. MLB ball but have come up with nothing except it is supposedly very rare. These balls came from the personal estate of Warner Fusselle who worked for many years with Mel Allen on This Week in Baseball as well as being a minor league broadcaster. The 1979 balls have a hole in the back through the Haiti label not sure how that affects the value. I will be bringing a few of these to a show next weekend to try to get more ideas of value and to see if anyone can tell me if they are game balls or not.






















Now the one that I think has the most value

Bosox1976

Cool stuff!

Keep them as is, or have them autographed by participants in each?

Fergman78

Getting them autographed by participants would be a really cool project and im sure pricey but its definitely something I would consider.

Ironmanfan

<< <i>Getting them autographed by participants would be a really cool project and im sure pricey but its definitely something I would consider. >>



I'd leave them as is

IMF

Fergman78

The Japan vs. American and National ball is defintely not being touched. I still haven't found anyone that knows about this ball. There is not much online regarding it. I signed up to join the Big League Baseballs forum to try to get more info. Im just waiting for their admin to approve me.

Fergman78

So after a month of researching the 1979 MLB vs Japan Series and baseball I have come up with a little more information. I have learned that the ball is very limited and worth around $200. I have found the results of the series but was having no luck finding the rosters or photos until yesterday when I found this picture
[URL=http://s98.photobucket.com/user/fergman78/media/JapanPkc.png.html][/URL]
I have learned that the total roster consisted of 46 players and using the picture and other online resources this is the roster I have come up with so far:

Carlton
Rose
Yaz
P Niekro
Kingman
McCarver
Kemp
Leonard
Molitor
Schmidt
Parrish
Luzinski
Lopez
Smith
Parker
Bowa
Stearns
Youngblood
Garvey
McGraw
Foster
Blyleven
Candaleria
Valentine
Garber
Forsch
Bibby
Matthews
Simmons
Reynolds

I would really like to get the total roster so if anyone could point me in the right direction or can identify more players in the picture that arent already listed that would be great. I know there is a program out there of the events but have been unsuccessful in finding it.

NickM

If you're looking at getting them signed (with the exception of the MLB v. Japan ball). go for one key participant - WS or ASG MVP is often the best.

In the U.S. v. Japan picture, don't ignore the managers and other nonplaying personnel - I see Lasorda, Chuck Tanner, and Jerry Coleman in the picture.

Nick

Fergman78

I guess I could have listed the coaches trainers etc. I believe Roger Craig is the coach next to Lasorda.

stown

Very cool and if you decide to get any of them autographed, I second NickM's suggestion.

mrpeanut39

Pretty sure that's Ted Simmons in the Cardinals jacket between Stearns and Senor Smoke. Also Craig Reynolds peeking over Jim Bibby's shoulder.

Fergman78

<< <i>Pretty sure that's Ted Simmons in the Cardinals jacket between Stearns and Senor Smoke. Also Craig Reynolds peeking over Jim Bibby's shoulder. >>



Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.